MONTICELLO — Lori Brokopp returns to take over the girls basketball team after coaching from 2012-15. She guided the program to a 47-25 record in that time and were regional champions in 2015.

However, much of the roster graduated after, and the 2015-16 campaign was played as a junior varsity-only season due to the lack of upperclassmen. Mark Gustafson took over the program for the last several years, while Brokopp was his assistant. He stepped down after the 2020-21 campaign, in which Monticello finished 11-4 overall, and Brokopp was re-hired as head coach.

This season, there will be a varsity-only team, again due to low numbers, but with many more upperclassmen than the ’15-16 season.

Returning for the Ponies include seniors Katelyn Eyler (3 ppg), Sarah Brokopp (2 ppg) and Macey Freitag, as well as junior Ellie Gustafson (11 ppg) and sophomore Jaden Zuber. 

“(Ellie) is a good outside shooter and can create shots for herself in the paint. She has a great jump shot,” coach Brokopp said. “We’re looking for her to continue this role this year and be one of our team’s top scorers.”

Freitag and Sarah Brokopp will be expected to play tight defense in the paint and grab rebounds, while Eyler is quick and adds a 3-point threat. Zuber will be asked to score more this season as well. “She is athletic and can handle a stronger role on the team,” coach Brokopp said. 

A trio of freshmen, Dalana Trumpy, and Sadie and Karlee Wilkins, join the squad, as does junior Caydence Wenger.

The coaching staff expects the team to be competitive night in and night out, though that won’t just happen by stepping onto the court and trusting only in their athletic abilities.

“We need to stay focused and prepare mentally and physically for all games,” Brokopp said. She added that competitiveness and the ability to push the ball will be strengths for the team, while challenges will include keeping turnovers to a minimum, hitting shots from long range and consistently pressuring on defense without fouling.

Like the other coaches in the Six Rivers East, Brokopp said Albany will be the team to beat for the conference title. “They bring back a lot of talent and their veteran coach will get them ready for a competitive season.”